The Minister of Tourism and Sports discussed with the Director-General of Sichuan's Culture Department to promote two-way tourism between Thailand and China, stressing the highest safety standards to build tourist confidence, highlighting cultural strengths and visa-free policies to stimulate sustainable economic growth.
On 21 July 2026, at the 11th floor reception room of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, welcomed Mr. Chen Guanghao, Director-General of the Culture and Tourism Department of Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China, and his delegation during their visit to Thailand. They discussed strategies to enhance tourism cooperation between Thailand and Sichuan, aiming to expand economic opportunities while ensuring the highest level of confidence for Chinese tourists.
Mr. Surasak emphasized during the meeting that the Thai government prioritizes building confidence in safety for tourists. The ministry is proactively implementing concrete measures covering seamless travel facilitation at every step, strengthening security in tourist areas, coordinating with security agencies, and developing quick-access tourist assistance systems.
“Thailand is ready to welcome Chinese tourists and visitors from Sichuan as close friendly countries. We want every tourist to feel confident and secure from the moment they arrive, throughout their trip, until departure. ‘Safety and facilitation’ are the most crucial elements in creating a positive experience and are the key to restoring long-term confidence in Thailand’s tourism,” Mr. Surasak said.
Beyond safety, both parties discussed promoting the concept of “Two-way Tourism” by agreeing to use the strong local identity and cultural charm of both regions as magnets to attract tourists.
Sichuan will highlight global attractions such as the giant pandas, the Jiuzhaigou World Heritage site, and its unique arts and culture, while Thailand will showcase its distinctive Thai cuisine, community lifestyles, natural attractions, and internationally recognized service standards.
Both sides agreed to jointly organize marketing and promotional activities (roadshows) to encourage cross-border travel and to create business matching platforms connecting Thai and Sichuan entrepreneurs to generate tangible investment.
Sichuan, with Chengdu as its economic hub, is one of China’s key economic areas. The ongoing visa-free policy between Thailand and China has significantly boosted Thai tourists visiting Sichuan. Meanwhile, tourists from Sichuan are considered quality travelers with high purchasing power, seeking in-depth experiences in culture, food, and relaxation in Thailand.
“Today's enhanced cooperation will be a crucial mechanism to expand the market for quality Chinese tourists while reinforcing Thailand’s safety image. We want to see travel between Thailand and Sichuan grow together, which is not just about increasing tourist numbers but generating community income, cultural exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people ties, forming the foundation for sustainable growth in Thailand-China tourism,” Mr. Surasak concluded.
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